The Rev. Peter Cook
The Rev. Neal Christie
The Rev. Neal Christie, based in Washington, DC, is cofounder of The Religious Nationalisms Project, a consultant with Wespath Benefits and Investments, and a Civil Society Fellow with the Institute for Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Studies. Since 2024, he has trained interfaith groups across the U.S. to resist religious nationalism, drawing on decades of leadership within the United Methodist Church, including senior roles with the General Board of Church and Society and key contributions to the revision of the denomination’s Social Principles and Social Creed.
Neal brings a strong interdisciplinary academic background, having studied at Yale University Divinity School, Princeton Theological Seminary, The New School for Social Research, American University’s School for International Service, and Wesley Theological Seminary. His education informs his global approach to faith, justice, and public life. He has taught and organized across 15 countries and continues to consult on conflict transformation, particularly in West Africa.
An ordained elder and former trauma hospital chaplain, Neal also serves on nonprofit and ecumenical boards. He is the author of multiple books and numerous prayers, with a forthcoming project on the Social Principles, and lives in Washington, DC with his wife and family.
The Reverend Peter Cook is Founder and Principal of Faith in the Public Square.
After serving three United Church of Christ congregations from 1990 to 2015, for the last 10 years, Reverend Cook was Executive Director of the New York State Council of Churches, building a powerful statewide voice for faith-centered justice.
In this role, Rev. Cook:
Fought state and federal efforts that increased tax inequality while advocating for a progressive, bottom-up economic approach.
Championed affordable housing development despite local resistance.
Advanced criminal justice reforms—including Raise the Age, bail reform, and Less is More—to reduce incarceration and protect due process.
Led efforts on climate legislation, including the passage of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
Opposed harmful federal immigration policies and supported immigrant communities.
Consistently advocated for working people, helping workers organize, unionize, and secure fair wages, strong benefits, and safer conditions.
Rev. Cook has been recognized for his work in multiple settings, including Who’s Who in Affordable Housing in New York in February of 2026 and City and State’s The Faith Power 100: New York’s Most Influential Religious Leaders.
Peter has worked alongside Reverend Neal Christie to challenge the weaponization of religion in perpetuating structural racism and limiting human rights. In response to rising fascism and authoritarianism, he has focused on raising awareness of movements like Christian Nationalism, Hindu Nationalism, and extremist forms of Zionism, while promoting an inclusive and authentic vision of faith.
An ordained pastor in the United Church of Christ, Rev. Cook has served congregations in Vermont, Massachusetts, and Illinois, and holds advanced degrees in divinity and liturgical theology from the Pacific School of Religion, as well as a bachelor’s in history from Lewis & Clark College.
Contact us
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!